In the modern age of fishing high-tech baits, artificial baits, flies, lures and all manner of fishing weapons designed to attract and hook fish the time-honored even ancient art of bottom fishing with live bait is often overlooked. I speak of the lowly worm, of course. What follows are some methods of using this wiggly, shiny master attractor of fish of all kinds. I've caught everything from bluegill to crappie to trout to bass to catfish and even striped bass. While it is true I do not spend much time on salt water as there is not much of it in Nevada I correspond with several fishermen who would not leave home without them (worms, that is). The most common method of worm fishing is a single hook, barbed is better as the worms tend to stay on longer. I usually try to match the hook to the size and type of fish I am going after. A trout would be an example of using smaller hooks as their mouths are smaller. Catfish would require a bigger, stronger hook as their mouths are not only large but very tough and it requires a very firm setting of the hook to catch them. The worm should be impaled on the hook at least twice to prevent it wiggling itself off. I try to cover as much of the hook as I can. When it is necessary to get the bait off the bottom and up into the strike zone a marshmallow threaded onto the hook first will provide the buoyancy required. When color is needed a salmon egg or any type of color that can be threaded on to the hook is good. One of the most effective baits I used on a small reservoir in New Mexico was one salmon egg, half a worm and another salmon egg on the tip of the hook. I fished them under a floater with about five feet of leader. The fish went nuts and I wound up having to instruct a group of Boy Scouts who were there at the same time. Another excellent method especially in streams or small rivers is to remove all weight but the swivel; attach the leader line with about ten inches of space between the hook and the swivel. Cast it out perpendicular to the shore. Let it float down stream. The swivel will allow it to sink slowly and when it gets into the strike zone you will need to be ready as there will be no hesitation from the fish. I have even jigged a live worm to catch both trout and bass. Jigging is nothing more than lifting the bait off the bottom and allowing it to settle back. Using small red worms and a very small hook is a good way to get youngsters started on fishing. Just find some bluegill. They will go nuts over the worms. There will be plenty of action and the kids will love it. There you have it. Using any of these methods will help you catch more fish. I do not pretend they are infallible but they will work if you keep at it. Above all remember to have fun, watch where you step and take a kid fishing every chance you get. xzj